By this point tomorrow, thousands of runners — including my friends from the Bet Shemesh Running Club — will be running in the Tiveria Marathon. In all likelihood, they will be very cold, very wet, and struggling to breath as they attempt to run 42.2 kilometers under very difficult conditions.
Let me give you one piece of advice.
Enjoy.
Enjoy the cold, and the rain, and everything else.
Enjoy every minute, every step, every breath.
Running a marathon, even under ideal conditions, is a tremendous accomplishment. My first one was my slowest, but perhaps my favorite. As soon as I stepped over that finish line, I was just filled with pride. I felt if I could finish a marathon, I could do anything I put my mind to.
You MUST look for and take on voluntary challenges. Everyone should. Why? Why put yourself through the difficulties involved?
Because the more you are able to defeat challenges that you set for yourself, the better equipped you will be to withstand challenges that are not of your own choosing.
Who will win the Marathon?
Anyone who can finish with a smile on their face and confidence in their heart.
Good luck and I look forward to running with you in the future.